Stepanenko warns 'it will be different' against Roma

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Taras Stepanenko said the Ukrainians mostly defended against Inter earlier this season but stressed ‘it will be different’ against Roma.

The 31-year-old defensive midfielder is out with a knee injury, just like he was three years ago when the two sides met in the Champions League.

Roma then advanced to the quarter-finals through away goals and Stepanenko expects another tight affair in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday.

“The two situations are not comparable,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport. “Roma are different, since [Edin] Dzeko doesn’t play.

“I expect a tight, interesting match between two teams who love to play football. They attack, and it will be an advantage for us.”

After two goalless draws against Inter in the Champions League, Shakhtar finished third in the group and qualified for the knockout stages in the Europa League.

Stepanenko admitted the Ukrainians mostly defended against the Nerazzurri but warned Roma ahead of Thursday’s game.

“It’s true,” he said. “But we were in a particular situation. There were many starters out with coronavirus, including myself.

“This time it will be different.”